Grand opening planned for Helmsdale's £150k space-themed play park
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A SUTHERLAND play park, newly renovated at a cost of around £150,000 and with a unique space theme, is to have an ‘grand opening’, it has been announced
An open day is being held at the Helmsdale Play Space on Saturday, November 11, with a family friendly celebration that evening at Bunillidh Social Club.
The group behind the project posted on its social media page: “Let the kids enjoy the fresh air and have fun on the new equipment, then join us for a family evening celebration as a thank you to our amazing community.”
The event marks the culmination of months of hard work, effort and fundraising to breathe new life into an existing, but dilapidated, play park.
A group was formed in 2021 under the umbrella of the Helmsdale and District Community Association with the aim of restoring the playpark, located next to the medical centre at Rockview Place.
The area had been deemed not fit for purpose, with redundant play equipment fenced off on safety grounds.
The play park group was inspired to pick a space theme in tribute to Virgin Galactic’s chief pilot David Mackay, who was brought up in Helmsdale and is the first native-born Scot to visit space.
It is thought to be the first such themed play park in Scotland and Virgin Galactic got behind the ambitious project, kickstarting it with an £1,800 grant.
At the time Helmsdale Primary School teacher Shelly Taylor, who along with her pupils has been heavily involved in the scheme said: “Originally we were thinking about a maritime theme - boats and fishing - but there are a lot of places around here like that. We thought it would be nice to do something different.”
Funding has come from various sources including Highland Council; the Caithness and North Sutherland Fund; Anne Duchess of Westminster Fund; the McCorquodale Charitable Trust; Edinburgh Sutherland Association; Lord Leverhulme Fund and SSE Gordonbush Community Fund.
In addition there has been a huge community effort with a crowdfunder set up and various fundraising events held. Individuals, local businesses and other organisations also rallied round to support the project.
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Bunillidh Church of Scotland donated money raised through their coffee mornings and thrift shop. Sir John Nutting of Achentoul Estate also provided funding.
A spokesperson for the group said: “We have been truly astounded by everyone’s ongoing support, both locally and further afield.”
The play park group identified a provider, Kompan, who was prepared to supply bespoke play equipment, with a rocket climbing frame the focus of the play park.
Roberts Building Contractors removed the old equipment and undertook ground works in August, giving up their time to complete the initial groundworks in kind.
“This contribution cut the project cost by a significant amount and meant that extra swings and benches could be added to the space,”said the spokesperson.
The play park really began to take shape last month, with the equipment being installed.
Social media users have voiced their excitement at the facility with one saying: “An amazing transformation. The kiddies are going to have a blast.”
Another posed: “Such an exciting thing for the kids. Well done guys.”
And another post reads: “It is looking absolutely amazing. Well done to you all. Bairns will have the best years using this.”
The open day starts from 12pm on Saturday, November 11, and the family friendly celebration runs from 5pm-9pm.
